SHD-1c-1887-01R Shattered Die

Description

A network of intersecting cracks spread across the reverse die of an 1887 Indian Head Cent, producing SHD-1c-1887-01R — the first documented reverse shattered die for this date. Unlike simple die cracks that follow a single path, shattered dies display multiple fractures radiating and crossing the die face, creating a web of raised lines on the struck coin. The pattern is unique to each die, determined by specific stress concentrations, metallurgical grain structure, and fatigue history of the individual piece of steel. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this business strike was produced at Philadelphia in the bronze composition of 95% copper with tin and zinc that replaced the earlier copper-nickel alloy in 1864. While bronze was softer, reducing per-strike die stress, the accumulated impact of extended production runs still produced catastrophic failures. The 1887 Indian Head Cent saw a mintage exceeding 45 million pieces — a volume requiring numerous working dies, each subjected to thousands of strikes. The appearance of a shattered die reflects the natural endpoint of die service, where cumulative fatigue overwhelms the structural integrity of the steel.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Cross reference: none. 08/01/2016.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References